The government of Kerala has decided to issue photo identity cards for the non-resident Keralites working for a minimum of 6 months in a foreign country. The ID card will be issued to all the NRKs working abroad across the globe. The ID card would be a base material for long-term policy formulation of Government. This is for the first time that a state government is implementing such a major scheme for its people.

The Government has entrusted NORKA-ROOTS as the implementing agency of the scheme. NRK Identity Card Cells have been constituted in Thiruvananthapuran, Kochi and Kozhikode districts for receiving the applications of the NRKs. The districts pertaining to each zone as detailed below can submit their applications in the three regional centers of NORKA-ROOTS.

The NRK who are either residing or working abroad at least for 6 months and have completed 18 years of age are eligible for applying the card. The validity of the card is of 3 years. NRKs can apply for the ID Cards by submitting their application duly verified and attested by the people’s representatives, concerned embassies or the gazzetted officers of Government of Kerala. Copies of the relevant pages of passport and visa are to be enclosed along with the application. The registration fee is only Rs. 200/- per person.

The New India Insurance Company will provide insurance coverage to the card holders. The coverage is given for accidental death, permanent and total or partial disability of the card holder. A unique master policy number is depicted in each card.